Women's

France and Ireland join forces ahead of Autumn

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Gaelle Hermet warned England to expect a razor-sharp France on Saturday after Les Bleues warmed-up for their Autumn Internationals with a joint-training camp with Ireland.

Gaelle Hermet warned England to expect a razor-sharp France on Saturday after Les Bleues warmed-up for their Autumn Internationals with a joint-training camp with Ireland.

Ireland head coach Adam Griggs took 26 players across the English Channel for their second international training camp, following their trip to Scotland.

Griggs’ side spent the weekend in Marcoussis, preparing for their own upcoming clashes with Wales and Scotland, and Hermet insists the French players enjoyed the visit of the two-time Championship winners, insisting they are raring to go in Clermont.

“It really enables us to prepare properly by having a real opponent,” said Hermet.

“It is also a team we meet during the Six Nations so it allows us to get ready for our match against them. Honestly, it is really beneficial and will help us with our future matches.

“It is great to have the opportunity to play a nation like Ireland. So it would be great to do this again next time.”

France take on England on home soil on Saturday before travelling across the English Channel for a return fixture at Sandy Park.

“It is very interesting because it’s full contact, real play,” said forward Safi N’Diaye.

“You don’t worry that it’s your friend. You really apply yourself like you would in a match. For us it’s great preparation for our upcoming games against England,”

“We saw that we need a lot more work. This opposition is a bit weaker than the one we will play in Clermont, but it will allow us to work with video as we have new girls integrating the group and some coming back from 7s.

“So we will work with video all this week so we can be on point for Saturday’s match.”